I'm starting to realize that. I purchased a Dr.Z 400, and it is great off road because it is 50 lbs lighter than the Dr., but it is abject misery on the open highway, because it is 50 pounds lighter that the Dr.
Solid choices. I'd say my top 5 were tank, seat, lighting, armoring (bash plate, side case guards & sprocket case guard) and tires. Exhaust/carb kit were honorable mentions, followed by suspension. I'd put safety over performance. Good video.👍
1, I prefer the Acerbis bash plate as it’s quieter and will slide over things easier than aluminum. It will also bounce back into shape instead of bending. It’s a misconception that it’s weaker than aluminum. You’ll be hard pressed to ever puncture it. 2, I agree with the additional lighting. The 1 candlepower headlamp is useless. I run the JNS aux light mounts with two small LED lights run on a Skene LED controller. This way they brighten and dim with my high and low beam headlight. I can also operate the headlight and aux lights independently of one another and turn all lights off or on. I wasn’t happy with the JNS headlight so I have a Baja Designs Squadron Pro light on order. JNS makes a mounting bracket for it. 3, I run the same pegs. Love them! 4, I run a seat concepts standard seat height. The stock seat wasn’t terrible but the seat concepts of course is a bit more comfortable. 5, I run a 5.3 gallon Acerbis tank. I think it fits the bike well enough that it looks stock. Plus I can clear 250 miles before fill ups which is great. Hers my mod list. As I stated I’ll be changing my headlight over to Baja Designs soon. I’ll also be adding a TM40 pumper carb and going to slightly lighter spring rate than what I currently have. GSXR Exhaust with custom Hanger FMF Header Modded BST Galfer Steel Brake Lines Works connection frame guards Steel case guards Pro Cycle lowered peg kit Brake snake Shifter snake Acerbis skid plate AMP Oil Filter cover guard JNS Engineering oil cooler guard Skene LED controller Rowe PDM60 power controller Voltmeter Red LED Speedo light Hour meter tach JNS Engineering aux light mount Moose rack Australia tail light with LED bulb YZF front fender Double take mirrors Acerbis tank Acerbis skid plate Seat Concepts tall seat Oxford heated grips Charging cable Cycra probenecid handguards Headlight guard GPR. Stabilizer with mounting kit Pro taper Suzuki / KTM bend fat bars ASV folding levers JNS CS cover SKF Sealed Wheel Bearings Cogent Dynamics Mohave Pro Shock Racetech Fork Springs with Cogent Dynamics DDC
Nice list. I have heard alot of good things about that acerbis bash plate yes the alloy one does make a bit of noise it's not terrible though. You certainly have a kitted out bike by the sounds of it! Good stuff. I'm going to go for the mojave shock one day!
I have the same plastic skid plate on mine. My dad has an aluminum one on his DR, and he says it reflects a lot more engine noise than my plastic one does.
Late to the post, but may be helpful for those with aluminum skid plates. I lined the outback motortek skid plate that I'd put my GS1250R (noisy as), with EPDM rubber sheeting. High temp heat resistant, and dulls the sound considerably. Will do the same for my B&B skid plate on the DR.
If you popped for the JNS light and peg brackets you should have just gotten their bash plate as well. It's the strongest one ive ever seen. Ive got it on both my DR and my KLR. The stock seat is miserable so ive got a Seat Concepts seat on order. At 6'1" i also needed to raise the handlebars 2" as well. Doubletake mirrors are also essential IMO. I opted for a 4.9 gallon IMS tank on mine.
I love the look of your bike. Many modded dr650s look like a bunch of random parts strapped together, with a semi transparent tank, diferent coloured panels etc. But yours look great!
Good video Dan! Your bike looks great with the 25l tank on it! 👍 I have the B&B baseplate, Seat Concepts seat, B&B baggage rack with top plate, Eagle windscreen, Barkbusters. My top mod was/is a Scottoiler. I got 96000km out of my (original) chain and sprockets! 🤩 Then there are the engine protectors, front sprocket guard, B&B front fender brace (like yours). Currently running conti TKC80’s front and back which are great! Oh - and then there is a Screamin’ Demon pipe as well (got a bit carried away 🙄). Might look at a suspension upgrade next…. Keep the good videos coming!🏆
- Armor. I source used OEM skidplates, on the cheap, for my DRs. The DR definitely needs one, as exposed as the engine is. Real handguards are available for cheap from sales at Cycle Gear or Rocky Mountain. - The stock seat works fine for me. I have a Seat Concepts for one of my DRs, but I've done 1000mile days on the stocker, even with an inch or 2 of foam cut out of it. - A big plastic tank gives this bike legs. It's less prone to damage. It also saves weight when not filled. - I pull the airbox snorkel, install an adjustable overseas/KTM needle, and install an extended idle-mix screw. I can remove the airbox door for high altitude. - Tires. DOT knobs work great on this bike. - Appropriate springs and damping transform this bike in the dirt if you ride gnarly enough surfaces to need knobbies. - Amber LED marker strips on the handguards and red marker LED strips on the sides of the rear fender make the DR more visible. The stock headlight works fine for me, but I use the amber LED strips for signals too. I like having tiny amber/yellow LED fogs too. - DR250 taillight on USA models saves weight, improves durability, and looks better. - Shaving weight can make the DR650 as light as the DR-Z400S. Start with removing extra stuff, like helmet lock, passenger pegs, grab handles, upper chainroller, etc. Swap on a GSXR 1000 Ti muff and a Li battery. - Performance piston kit and cam kit can wake things up. Don't forget to get stouter clutch plates and 2 or 4 stouter pressure-plate springs. - Braided stainless brake hoses make a noticeable difference.
Have all these mods to my DR. All very good. Can't really change what the DR is, it's a very good all round bike. I suggest the Atlas throttle lock for distance riding. Well worth the money.
Great mods. Think you could add the next five. Case savers on the sides and chain around the front sprocket. Suspension up grades, oil cooler protection power outlets and rim locks. But keep up the videos. Love seeing where I was born.
Yes you could list a lot of mods on these bikes! I still have standard suspension but it is on my list for the future. Rim locks? You must ride some knarly stuff!
Hi MOTO DANS - I've read all the comments below. The mods for THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650 are almost endless - and like with your DR - Mine is like no other, yet you'd never know it - unless you really started digging around. Love your video's - The only thing I can add is the obvious - It totally depends on where you live and the kind of riding you'll mainly be doing. The one thing I tell guys thinking about getting THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650 is Get this bike and ride the shit out of it - the way that it comes right out of the gate. As time goes by, depending on the aforementioned, start making your mods based on the above - which includes distances. For me, I still have the stock seat and tank - but that's because if I ever ride over a hundred miles, it's very rare. My main problem is time.... I don't have much to spare right now.... But yes, at a minimum - Lighting and a bash plate are needed for sure - especially if you are going off road.... Best.
Nice video mate. I'm also from Scotland (Dundee) and now in NZ, Chch. Actually rode RTW to get here. I just put a deposit down on a DR today and looking at all the same mods as you. Would be great to meet up one day
Hey Willy. Thanks for watching. Wow I'm from Perth and the mrs is from Dundee. That would be an awesome trip would like to hear about it sometime! Awesome enjoy the new steed👍
Moto Dans, I really like the choices of mods you made for your DR. I don't have a DR yet, nor have I ever ridden off-road. I am compiling a list of mods/purchase ideas from DR-dedicated channels of things to change or modify on a DR. I want to buy a DR not too far in the future. I like the lowering of the foot pegs. I'm 72 inches and would want some lowering pegs too. Maybe bar risers as well. It certainly looks like, maybe, the seat was taken apart and new cushion (gel?) was installed and covered back over with the same OEM seat cushion covering. I agree with that. I would probably try adding some strobe amber LED's to my bike to attracting attention of other motorists so they could see me. Additional lighting is a great idea. A windscreen would be necessary. Larger fuel capacity is a great idea too. 25-liters/6.6 gallons?! Hell yeah! In the US, I could buy that for $280-ish USD. I don't know the exchange rate for currency in NZ compared to the USD. I'd paint my bike a nice desert sand color like my other bike I had, a '76 Honda CB750 Super Sport after a rebuild. I am in the USA. You are a Scot living in 'Kiwi'. Without sounding too intrusive, may I ask why you live in NZ? I hear, from my kiwi ex, that life is expensive there. Whatever you do there, keep it up. I like your videos. Thanks.
Thanks for Watching, Sounds like your onto it with what you want in your bike. Would look pretty cool in those colors! Came out here for a better climate never planned to stay but here we are 7 years later. Some things are expensive and some things are cheaper than back home. Overall we are better off out here without a doubt.
Great top 5 list Man.. I have all of those on mine as well. I would have to put windscreen on my top 5 as well. It makes road miles so much more enjoyable.. Any big adventures planned?
Good list. I went and looked at a DR for sale and it had almost everything you could imagine done to it. I figured he had 4-5 grand in farkles, some really cool stuff. It had a little computer where the speedo shoulda been, plugs and wires everywhere... It was a great deal for what he wanted for it, but it was so far removed from the simple, no-nonsense bike i wanted, i just had to pass. If i wanted high-tech I'd get a BMW or something like that.
tough to pick 5 in an order because I made more than 5 mods in 6 years: seat, protection, suspension, tank, luggage mounts. If you want to raise the bike stiffer springs will do that. Cogent front and back. Pricey but worth more to me than more power.
Good video mate…difficult to get top five coz I’m up to 15 already! Not sure about the foot pegs (you gave a good reason why not to drop them). I prefer higher seat and risers.
Day/night time aux leds Mirrors 2" extensions Seat concept Givi bash plate SW-MOTECH centerstand Tusk side racks with soft bags When The starter start to be noisy...I have a WARP9 cap with a roller bearing waiting for it. Other than that, invest in some spare carb rebuild kit...so you won't have to wait for one in case the bike needs a carb rebuild .
Good choices! I have the tusk racks to and rate them highly! My starter is still quiet but one it will make noise and I will upgrade to the warp 9 bearing
They were on the bike when I bought it how ever they are not stock pegs they are a good bit wider. Unsure on the brand. My shifter and brake lever are still the stock ones just had to adjust them to suit the lowered position. Thanks Adrian!
Nice list Adrian! Your the first one to mention stickers! Haha. What mirrors do you have? Yes lowered pegs are a must in my opinion! Have you looked at getting them from America? Aba couldn't give me an ETA on the led headlight so I just got that from America it arrived within 2 weeks and I still haven't heard from aba.
@@MOTODANS Gold valve for the rear shock with an 8.6 kg spring and Covent drop in valves for the front..with straight rate heavy springs to suit my weight..
I got them on eBay depending where you live rocky mountain ATV also sell them. www.ebay.com/p/17017011253 I did an install video here ua-cam.com/video/nj7sNQ_YCl4/v-deo.html
Lowered my pegs and love it. BUT,,,, I now hate the location of my shifter. One spline and then it's too low. What's the fix to simply position that shifter back to level with the lower pegs? Thanks
How did you lower them? I just had to move mine one spline and it was perfect. My mate cut his stock pegs and couldn't get it right he ended up cutting and welding the shifter to where he liked it
All good mods. Did those pegs and lowered mounts come together? Do the mounts retain the stock rubbers or are they solid? I’ll bet that seat is a totally custom job done on the stock seat pan from a previous owner. The top five mods I’ve done to my DR650: 5) cheap chromoly wide foot pegs 4) 90/100 watt H4 headlight bulb 3) lightweight lithium battery 2) higher CR bend tapered handle bars with better grips 1) Sit & Fly net thing since I still have the stock seat Also I have a rear top rack with a plastic trunk that I couldn’t do without when communing to work. Oh and aftermarket mirrors since all I could see in the stock ones were my jacket sleeves.
Not sure if they came with the mounts or not they were fitted when I bought the bike, I have the originals in the JNS box that these came out of so they may have come together? They do not retain the stock rubbers so are solid to the frame which is a better way. You are probably right about that seat definitely looks like the stock pan underneath. Nice mods there I need to look into upgrading my bars at some point my stock ones are a bit bent! Which bars do you have fitted? I have a wee box I fit to the rear when needed and is really handy! I don't find the stock mirrors to bad for vision although they come loose quite often which is really annoying!
@@MOTODANS I used the Pro Taper EVO bars with the CR High bend. It comes in many different bends. The stock bar mounts won’t work with the 1 1/8” tapered handlebar, so I used Pro Taper’s adapter mounts which raised the bar about 1/2”also. You can get mounts that raise them up to 2” (5 cm) but I think the stock cables would be getting too tight maybe.
No need with the led headlight it free's up alot of power. I run those 2 spot lights as well as a light bar on the fender and can run my heated grips at same time on full with no voltage loss. If i had the stock headlight i could run the spot lights, and either the light bar or heated grips not both at the same time. I thought about the stator upgrade but it was a similar price to the led headlight and achieved the same result as well as giving me much better lighting.
Hey Shembazai, No the bike is currently standard height, when i first bought it, it was lowered but i put it back to stock pretty quick. I am even thinking of lifting it a bit!
@@MOTODANS Cool, thanks for the quick answer. Gonna start shopping when spring gets here. Been researching about this bike for almost a year. I didn't buy it because it seemed to be a bit high for me. Bought an old FZ6 instead and I dont like it. It sure is fast as hell but really unconfortable on the long run and I cant go offroad with it, obviously. Anyway, continue the good job on your video man!
Hola amigo, soy de Sucre Bolivia, me gusta muchísimo como equipaste tu moto DR 650, aquí en Bolivia no existe en el comercio todo lo que equipaste, por lo menos quisiera tener la cúpula o deflector de tu moto, ¿me puedes enviar a Bolivia?
Hola Enrique, no sé muy bien a qué te refieres con cúpula. Quisiera echar un vistazo a algunos proveedores de piezas, es decir, ciclomotores profesionales o atv de montaña rocosa para ver si enviarían a su país.
Depends on what you are going to do if you could find say a year old one with a heap of mods for that, that would be a better deal. That is what I did with both of ours. But it depends on what you are wanting 9k isn't alot of money for a brand new bike
It depends somewhat on how the bike was cared for. I wouldn't buy one from me at any mileage. It has been jumped, wheelied, skidded, dumped, bounced off the rev-limiter, chugged uphill in 4th, forded, and pillioned by a fat chick with like an 80L handbag. Maybe buying parts from me would be OK though. Some people take immaculate care of their DRs though. One courier in OZ rode his for over 270K miles. Then he honed the bore, re-ringed the piston, and kept riding. Both of mine have about 30K miles on them. After cleaning the pilot jet with a fish-hook, the 2013 fired up yesterday before the engine even seemed to make a complete revolution. I let it sit all winter because I'm too cheap to stud the tires or get a snowbike kit and ride my lake when it freezes. Parts are all over for these things though, in the USA and Oz. Suzuki dealers still sell them new. Parts from a 1996 will fit a 2022.
The belly pan is 6th , 1-1/8 handle bars , knobby tires , luggage rack for food water and extra fuel ., High beam headlights to enhance stock headlight . Tall windscreen , heated grips , tank bag for storage . Low density Air Filter , carb tuned , flat tire repair kit and sealer , 12v air pump. Fork brace ,
Good video. I like most of your suggestions except for the lowered pegs. If you plan an doing any serious off roading you will have a much greater chance of breaking your foot with lowered pegs. They are already too low stock.
Thanks Jarrod. I agree with that point how do you find standing with the stock pegs? For me if I had kept the stock pegs I would have had to lift the handle bars a serious amount. I think it's more an overall lack of ground clearance rather than solely a footpeg height issue.
I run with the 1.5 drop JNS Engineering lowered peg mounts. Have not had a problem with them yet. Always aware of where the front my foot is. This was with riding the COBDR, NMBDR and Nevada - to he!! and gone.
@@MOTODANS Nice. I have been thinking about either the Bajaworx rally screen or the Parabellum rally screen off of Procycle but I've seen mixed reviews. I think it maybe depends on the person's height and the helmet they are wearing.
Leaning between DR650 or KLR650. KLR comes stock with fuel injection, radiator, windshield, fairing, 6.1 gallon tank. And it's cheaper. And can do what DR can do. Makes it hard to pick the DR.
I'm between them as well. The DR weighs around 100lbs less than a KLR. Plus I kinda just like the look of the DR more growing up around dirt bikes. It would be nice to see it come with fuel Injection in 2022 though, but hey it's worked for 30+ years so Suzuki will be Suzuki lmao.
The DR doesn't really need EFI. Simplicity is one of its benefits. Bolt on a bigger used plastic tank, a skid, and some real handguards. Then spoon on some knobs. A KLR will take damage trying to keep up with such a DR in the dirt, and the DR is smoother on slab. I've never wanted for a windscreen.
@@MOTODANS if you go with Cogent, tell Rick the owner I sent you! Drop some DDC cartridges and new springs in the forks and a Mojave shock and the bike is literally transformed
I modded the shit out of my DR too. Top 5 1. Bash plate 2. Ehaust 3. Jet kit 4. Handle Bar risers 5. Aftermarket foot pegs (No lowering kit) Honorable Mention:. Case savers
The DR IS the unicorn. I don’t think people realize. You can buy the blank canvas and make it into anything. The most versatile platform!
I'm starting to realize that. I purchased a Dr.Z 400, and it is great off road because it is 50 lbs lighter than the Dr., but it is abject misery on the open highway, because it is 50 pounds lighter that the Dr.
Solid choices. I'd say my top 5 were tank, seat, lighting, armoring (bash plate, side case guards & sprocket case guard) and tires. Exhaust/carb kit were honorable mentions, followed by suspension. I'd put safety over performance. Good video.👍
Similar thinking then! Good shout on the tires. Cheers!
1, I prefer the Acerbis bash plate as it’s quieter and will slide over things easier than aluminum. It will also bounce back into shape instead of bending. It’s a misconception that it’s weaker than aluminum. You’ll be hard pressed to ever puncture it.
2, I agree with the additional lighting. The 1 candlepower headlamp is useless. I run the JNS aux light mounts with two small LED lights run on a Skene LED controller. This way they brighten and dim with my high and low beam headlight. I can also operate the headlight and aux lights independently of one another and turn all lights off or on. I wasn’t happy with the JNS headlight so I have a Baja Designs Squadron Pro light on order. JNS makes a mounting bracket for it.
3, I run the same pegs. Love them!
4, I run a seat concepts standard seat height. The stock seat wasn’t terrible but the seat concepts of course is a bit more comfortable.
5, I run a 5.3 gallon Acerbis tank. I think it fits the bike well enough that it looks stock. Plus I can clear 250 miles before fill ups which is great.
Hers my mod list. As I stated I’ll be changing my headlight over to Baja Designs soon. I’ll also be adding a TM40 pumper carb and going to slightly lighter spring rate than what I currently have.
GSXR Exhaust with custom Hanger
FMF Header
Modded BST
Galfer Steel Brake Lines
Works connection frame guards
Steel case guards
Pro Cycle lowered peg kit
Brake snake
Shifter snake
Acerbis skid plate
AMP Oil Filter cover guard
JNS Engineering oil cooler guard
Skene LED controller
Rowe PDM60 power controller
Voltmeter
Red LED Speedo light
Hour meter tach
JNS Engineering aux light mount
Moose rack
Australia tail light with LED bulb
YZF front fender
Double take mirrors
Acerbis tank
Acerbis skid plate
Seat Concepts tall seat
Oxford heated grips
Charging cable
Cycra probenecid handguards
Headlight guard
GPR. Stabilizer with mounting kit
Pro taper Suzuki / KTM bend fat bars
ASV folding levers
JNS CS cover
SKF Sealed Wheel Bearings
Cogent Dynamics Mohave Pro Shock
Racetech Fork Springs with Cogent Dynamics DDC
Nice list. I have heard alot of good things about that acerbis bash plate yes the alloy one does make a bit of noise it's not terrible though. You certainly have a kitted out bike by the sounds of it! Good stuff. I'm going to go for the mojave shock one day!
I have the same plastic skid plate on mine. My dad has an aluminum one on his DR, and he says it reflects a lot more engine noise than my plastic one does.
I have the Acerbis plastic skid plate too. It's great and super tough, but also light, quiet, and doesn't get dented by rocks.
Glad to hear about the acerbis plate. I just ordered one
Late to the post, but may be helpful for those with aluminum skid plates. I lined the outback motortek skid plate that I'd put my GS1250R (noisy as), with EPDM rubber sheeting. High temp heat resistant, and dulls the sound considerably. Will do the same for my B&B skid plate on the DR.
That's a wicked sweet setup! Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Thanks for watching Phil!
Another great video.
I ride a Husky TR Terra, & my no 1 mod is daytime running lights as well.
It’s so important for people to see us.
Cheers Stephen. Yep it sure is!
Videos are becoming great! Good location. Keep the good work.
Thanks Danny! I'm trying to always improve!
Great upgrades ! You have a nice bike there man!! Excellent!
Thank you 😊
Great video,
My top 5 are
1. Jetting kit
2. Exhaust
3. Bash plate
4. Wind Screen
5. Lowered Foot Pegs
Bonus 6. Luggage system
Good choices! Which jetting kit do you have? I'm still stock but considering
If you popped for the JNS light and peg brackets you should have just gotten their bash plate as well. It's the strongest one ive ever seen. Ive got it on both my DR and my KLR. The stock seat is miserable so ive got a Seat Concepts seat on order. At 6'1" i also needed to raise the handlebars 2" as well. Doubletake mirrors are also essential IMO. I opted for a 4.9 gallon IMS tank on mine.
I love the look of your bike. Many modded dr650s look like a bunch of random parts strapped together, with a semi transparent tank, diferent coloured panels etc. But yours look great!
Thanks 👍
Good video Dan! Your bike looks great with the 25l tank on it! 👍 I have the B&B baseplate, Seat Concepts seat, B&B baggage rack with top plate, Eagle windscreen, Barkbusters. My top mod was/is a Scottoiler. I got 96000km out of my (original) chain and sprockets! 🤩 Then there are the engine protectors, front sprocket guard, B&B front fender brace (like yours). Currently running conti TKC80’s front and back which are great! Oh - and then there is a Screamin’ Demon pipe as well (got a bit carried away 🙄). Might look at a suspension upgrade next…. Keep the good videos coming!🏆
Sounds like your bike is well set up 🤟 96000kms on the stock chain? That is incredible thought I did well with 30,000!
Had my bike for a month and already had everything nut the pegs waiting to be installed the day I got her. Love this bike.
Awesome!
- Armor. I source used OEM skidplates, on the cheap, for my DRs. The DR definitely needs one, as exposed as the engine is. Real handguards are available for cheap from sales at Cycle Gear or Rocky Mountain.
- The stock seat works fine for me. I have a Seat Concepts for one of my DRs, but I've done 1000mile days on the stocker, even with an inch or 2 of foam cut out of it.
- A big plastic tank gives this bike legs. It's less prone to damage. It also saves weight when not filled.
- I pull the airbox snorkel, install an adjustable overseas/KTM needle, and install an extended idle-mix screw. I can remove the airbox door for high altitude.
- Tires. DOT knobs work great on this bike.
- Appropriate springs and damping transform this bike in the dirt if you ride gnarly enough surfaces to need knobbies.
- Amber LED marker strips on the handguards and red marker LED strips on the sides of the rear fender make the DR more visible. The stock headlight works fine for me, but I use the amber LED strips for signals too. I like having tiny amber/yellow LED fogs too.
- DR250 taillight on USA models saves weight, improves durability, and looks better.
- Shaving weight can make the DR650 as light as the DR-Z400S. Start with removing extra stuff, like helmet lock, passenger pegs, grab handles, upper chainroller, etc. Swap on a GSXR 1000 Ti muff and a Li battery.
- Performance piston kit and cam kit can wake things up. Don't forget to get stouter clutch plates and 2 or 4 stouter pressure-plate springs.
- Braided stainless brake hoses make a noticeable difference.
Live in NZ and biked all over the North Island. Definitely miss it.
It's a special place!
Great stuff mate
Cheers Hamish👍
Love it! I can hardly wait to get my hands on one too. Bye bye street bike, hello world!
Awesome👍
Have all these mods to my DR. All very good. Can't really change what the DR is, it's a very good all round bike. I suggest the Atlas throttle lock for distance riding. Well worth the money.
Cheers Rob. Never used a throttle lock before not sure I like the idea? Will need to look into it
Great mods.
Think you could add the next five.
Case savers on the sides and chain around the front sprocket.
Suspension up grades, oil cooler protection power outlets and rim locks.
But keep up the videos.
Love seeing where I was born.
Yes you could list a lot of mods on these bikes! I still have standard suspension but it is on my list for the future. Rim locks? You must ride some knarly stuff!
Next time your in OZ mate
Hi MOTO DANS - I've read all the comments below. The mods for THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650 are almost endless - and like with your DR - Mine is like no other, yet you'd never know it - unless you really started digging around. Love your video's - The only thing I can add is the obvious - It totally depends on where you live and the kind of riding you'll mainly be doing. The one thing I tell guys thinking about getting THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650 is Get this bike and ride the shit out of it - the way that it comes right out of the gate. As time goes by, depending on the aforementioned, start making your mods based on the above - which includes distances. For me, I still have the stock seat and tank - but that's because if I ever ride over a hundred miles, it's very rare. My main problem is time.... I don't have much to spare right now....
But yes, at a minimum - Lighting and a bash plate are needed for sure - especially if you are going off road....
Best.
Yep it all depends on where and how you ride. Good thing with the dr is you can make it suit your needs
Nice video mate. I'm also from Scotland (Dundee) and now in NZ, Chch. Actually rode RTW to get here.
I just put a deposit down on a DR today and looking at all the same mods as you.
Would be great to meet up one day
Hey Willy. Thanks for watching. Wow I'm from Perth and the mrs is from Dundee. That would be an awesome trip would like to hear about it sometime! Awesome enjoy the new steed👍
Moto Dans, I really like the choices of mods you made for your DR. I don't have a DR yet, nor have I ever ridden off-road. I am compiling a list of mods/purchase ideas from DR-dedicated channels of things to change or modify on a DR. I want to buy a DR not too far in the future.
I like the lowering of the foot pegs. I'm 72 inches and would want some lowering pegs too. Maybe bar risers as well.
It certainly looks like, maybe, the seat was taken apart and new cushion (gel?) was installed and covered back over with the same OEM seat cushion covering. I agree with that.
I would probably try adding some strobe amber LED's to my bike to attracting attention of other motorists so they could see me. Additional lighting is a great idea.
A windscreen would be necessary.
Larger fuel capacity is a great idea too. 25-liters/6.6 gallons?! Hell yeah! In the US, I could buy that for $280-ish USD. I don't know the exchange rate for currency in NZ compared to the USD.
I'd paint my bike a nice desert sand color like my other bike I had, a '76 Honda CB750 Super Sport after a rebuild.
I am in the USA. You are a Scot living in 'Kiwi'. Without sounding too intrusive, may I ask why you live in NZ? I hear, from my kiwi ex, that life is expensive there. Whatever you do there, keep it up. I like your videos. Thanks.
Thanks for Watching,
Sounds like your onto it with what you want in your bike. Would look pretty cool in those colors!
Came out here for a better climate never planned to stay but here we are 7 years later. Some things are expensive and some things are cheaper than back home. Overall we are better off out here without a doubt.
I like a desert sand scheme. Must be the Army in me. I'm glad you are happy where you are. @@MOTODANS
Great top 5 list Man.. I have all of those on mine as well. I would have to put windscreen on my top 5 as well. It makes road miles so much more enjoyable.. Any big adventures planned?
Nice one. Yep windscreen makes a big difference. Nothing major doing the TT 2000 again next year in February.
Good list. I went and looked at a DR for sale and it had almost everything you could imagine done to it. I figured he had 4-5 grand in farkles, some really cool stuff. It had a little computer where the speedo shoulda been, plugs and wires everywhere... It was a great deal for what he wanted for it, but it was so far removed from the simple, no-nonsense bike i wanted, i just had to pass. If i wanted high-tech I'd get a BMW or something like that.
Nice one.
Cheers!
tough to pick 5 in an order because I made more than 5 mods in 6 years: seat, protection, suspension, tank, luggage mounts. If you want to raise the bike stiffer springs will do that. Cogent front and back. Pricey but worth more to me than more power.
For sure looking at cogent rear. I'm thinking a might do a usd swap up front.
On the lighting part i put a marker light in the turn signal for yellow up front and red in back for even more light
Nice Jeff, haven't seen it done like that before but I like the idea!
Yes and the factory seat is real uncomfortable i seen a video on cutting it down and widing it i did this and worked nice alot more comfortable
Good video mate…difficult to get top five coz I’m up to 15 already!
Not sure about the foot pegs (you gave a good reason why not to drop them). I prefer higher seat and risers.
Thanks 👍 Yes if you have long enough legs the higher seat is a better option.
Hey Love the video!! What type of windscreen is that? Ive read so much about them and just not sure what the best choice is.
Thank you! Its the Parabellum Rally screen. Did a video on it here : ua-cam.com/video/e0tBv2f8j3w/v-deo.html
Nice information🇹🇷🕉🇹🇭🙏
Day/night time aux leds
Mirrors 2" extensions
Seat concept
Givi bash plate
SW-MOTECH centerstand
Tusk side racks with soft bags
When The starter start to be noisy...I have a WARP9 cap with a roller bearing waiting for it.
Other than that, invest in some spare carb rebuild kit...so you won't have to wait for one in case the bike needs a carb rebuild .
Good choices! I have the tusk racks to and rate them highly! My starter is still quiet but one it will make noise and I will upgrade to the warp 9 bearing
During the daytime run with the high beam on. you will not blind anyone, but your beam will be higher making you easier to see.
Good idea, I like to have the spot lights on to increase the width of the vehicle also looking from a distance
Very good advice, except for the footpegs I've done them all.
Question
What model are your boots?
Thanks
Thanks! Foot pegs are a must for me really makes a difference comfort wise. My boots are the Gaerne SG12s pricy but I love them!
Did you add the foot pegs? I wonder if everyone swaps out the shifter and break lever etc... Great vids btw.
They were on the bike when I bought it how ever they are not stock pegs they are a good bit wider. Unsure on the brand. My shifter and brake lever are still the stock ones just had to adjust them to suit the lowered position. Thanks Adrian!
Bash plate, bark busters, wider mirrors and um stickers..🤣. I absolutely need to lower the pegs but can't get VSM to get back to me on an eta sigh.
Nice list Adrian! Your the first one to mention stickers! Haha. What mirrors do you have? Yes lowered pegs are a must in my opinion! Have you looked at getting them from America? Aba couldn't give me an ETA on the led headlight so I just got that from America it arrived within 2 weeks and I still haven't heard from aba.
Hey bro there’s a 2015 dr650 on trademe going for 9k pretty much stock with 11000kms do you think that’s overpriced or worth the buy I’m in NZ btw TIA
My Top #5
Suspension rework
Braided brake lines
Oil cooler guard
Modified seat
Aftermarket Exhaust
Nice one. What suspension upgrade did you go for?
@@MOTODANS Gold valve for the rear shock with an 8.6 kg spring and Covent drop in valves for the front..with straight rate heavy springs to suit my weight..
Nice and it works well?
@@MOTODANS First ride totally changed the bike.. Night and day comparison..
Awesome. Something I need to get done on mine!
Hi from where I can buy Side Carrier Saddlebag Support Racks Suzuki DR650 like your
Thank you
I got them on eBay depending where you live rocky mountain ATV also sell them.
www.ebay.com/p/17017011253
I did an install video here
ua-cam.com/video/nj7sNQ_YCl4/v-deo.html
Stock seat my be ok for different people. I have had two dr650’s and both stock seats let me ride for many hours without pain or soreness.8-)
Nice one Bill. Yes like a lot of things very individual. Your very lucky I think!
* * * * * C O O L * * * * *
Lowered my pegs and love it. BUT,,,, I now hate the location of my shifter. One spline and then it's too low. What's the fix to simply position that shifter back to level with the lower pegs? Thanks
How did you lower them? I just had to move mine one spline and it was perfect. My mate cut his stock pegs and couldn't get it right he ended up cutting and welding the shifter to where he liked it
@@MOTODANS I actually cut & welded mine as well. It's now perfect position
All good mods. Did those pegs and lowered mounts come together? Do the mounts retain the stock rubbers or are they solid? I’ll bet that seat is a totally custom job done on the stock seat pan from a previous owner.
The top five mods I’ve done to my DR650:
5) cheap chromoly wide foot pegs
4) 90/100 watt H4 headlight bulb
3) lightweight lithium battery
2) higher CR bend tapered handle bars with better grips
1) Sit & Fly net thing since I still have the stock seat
Also I have a rear top rack with a plastic trunk that I couldn’t do without when communing to work. Oh and aftermarket mirrors since all I could see in the stock ones were my jacket sleeves.
Not sure if they came with the mounts or not they were fitted when I bought the bike, I have the originals in the JNS box that these came out of so they may have come together? They do not retain the stock rubbers so are solid to the frame which is a better way.
You are probably right about that seat definitely looks like the stock pan underneath.
Nice mods there I need to look into upgrading my bars at some point my stock ones are a bit bent! Which bars do you have fitted?
I have a wee box I fit to the rear when needed and is really handy! I don't find the stock mirrors to bad for vision although they come loose quite often which is really annoying!
@@MOTODANS I used the Pro Taper EVO bars with the CR High bend. It comes in many different bends. The stock bar mounts won’t work with the 1 1/8” tapered handlebar, so I used Pro Taper’s adapter mounts which raised the bar about 1/2”also. You can get mounts that raise them up to 2” (5 cm) but I think the stock cables would be getting too tight maybe.
Awesome 👍
@@MOTODANS your rear brake pedal is down low where i need mine ...how???
Adjuster nut on rear of pedal going to master cylinder
No mention is made have to to install a higher wattage stator in there for the added lights.
Anyone know ?
No need with the led headlight it free's up alot of power. I run those 2 spot lights as well as a light bar on the fender and can run my heated grips at same time on full with no voltage loss. If i had the stock headlight i could run the spot lights, and either the light bar or heated grips not both at the same time. I thought about the stator upgrade but it was a similar price to the led headlight and achieved the same result as well as giving me much better lighting.
@@MOTODANS that's great. may copy the setup you have.
Canterbury Upolstery north oh Chch will reupholster your seat for 350.00
A great mod, and he does a mint job
👍
Good to know greg it may have been him who did it. Bike was sold new at coleman's suzuki. Seat was modified before it left the dealer
What windshield you use? Do you have helmet buffering?
ua-cam.com/video/e0tBv2f8j3w/v-deo.html
Para bellum rally. I find it pretty good for me 👍
Great video! Thinking about swapping my bike for a DR650. I'm also 5'6". Did you drop the suspension?
Hey Shembazai, No the bike is currently standard height, when i first bought it, it was lowered but i put it back to stock pretty quick. I am even thinking of lifting it a bit!
@@MOTODANS Cool, thanks for the quick answer. Gonna start shopping when spring gets here. Been researching about this bike for almost a year. I didn't buy it because it seemed to be a bit high for me. Bought an old FZ6 instead and I dont like it. It sure is fast as hell but really unconfortable on the long run and I cant go offroad with it, obviously. Anyway, continue the good job on your video man!
Thanks. Good luck with the search!
@@MOTODANS Who makes the windscreen you have, it looks fantastic!
@@gregflores8959 Hey Greg it's a parrabellum screen I did an install video here: ua-cam.com/video/e0tBv2f8j3w/v-deo.html
Hola amigo, soy de Sucre Bolivia, me gusta muchísimo como equipaste tu moto DR 650, aquí en Bolivia no existe en el comercio todo lo que equipaste, por lo menos quisiera tener la cúpula o deflector de tu moto, ¿me puedes enviar a Bolivia?
Hola Enrique, no sé muy bien a qué te refieres con cúpula. Quisiera echar un vistazo a algunos proveedores de piezas, es decir, ciclomotores profesionales o atv de montaña rocosa para ver si enviarían a su país.
I’m thinking of getting me one second hand how much is too much kms on bike would you say?
Kms isn't much of an issue as long as it has been serviced regular
Might invest in a brand new one about 9k nzd would you say it’s worth it
Depends on what you are going to do if you could find say a year old one with a heap of mods for that, that would be a better deal. That is what I did with both of ours. But it depends on what you are wanting 9k isn't alot of money for a brand new bike
It depends somewhat on how the bike was cared for. I wouldn't buy one from me at any mileage. It has been jumped, wheelied, skidded, dumped, bounced off the rev-limiter, chugged uphill in 4th, forded, and pillioned by a fat chick with like an 80L handbag.
Maybe buying parts from me would be OK though.
Some people take immaculate care of their DRs though. One courier in OZ rode his for over 270K miles. Then he honed the bore, re-ringed the piston, and kept riding.
Both of mine have about 30K miles on them. After cleaning the pilot jet with a fish-hook, the 2013 fired up yesterday before the engine even seemed to make a complete revolution. I let it sit all winter because I'm too cheap to stud the tires or get a snowbike kit and ride my lake when it freezes.
Parts are all over for these things though, in the USA and Oz. Suzuki dealers still sell them new. Parts from a 1996 will fit a 2022.
no hay en español
Mine are handle bar risers , foot peg lowering . Straight through exhaust pipe , 14t sprocket . Taller seat padding foam . I'm 6'3. There's more, these are too 5 ..
The belly pan is 6th , 1-1/8 handle bars , knobby tires , luggage rack for food water and extra fuel ., High beam headlights to enhance stock headlight . Tall windscreen , heated grips , tank bag for storage . Low density Air Filter , carb tuned , flat tire repair kit and sealer , 12v air pump. Fork brace ,
Would definitely rather have the plastic bash plate, simply because of the noise from the aluminum
Good video. I like most of your suggestions except for the lowered pegs. If you plan an doing any serious off roading you will have a much greater chance of breaking your foot with lowered pegs. They are already too low stock.
Thanks Jarrod. I agree with that point how do you find standing with the stock pegs? For me if I had kept the stock pegs I would have had to lift the handle bars a serious amount. I think it's more an overall lack of ground clearance rather than solely a footpeg height issue.
I run with the 1.5 drop JNS Engineering lowered peg mounts. Have not had a problem with them yet. Always aware of where the front my foot is. This was with riding the COBDR, NMBDR and Nevada - to he!! and gone.
Seat
Bash plate
Exhaust
Jet Kit
Lowered pegs.
Good choices Douglas!
How is that windscreen working for you? Any buffeting issues?
It's ok, very similar to my old screen. There is some buffeting not to major though.
@@MOTODANS Nice. I have been thinking about either the Bajaworx rally screen or the Parabellum rally screen off of Procycle but I've seen mixed reviews. I think it maybe depends on the person's height and the helmet they are wearing.
@@MagDumpGuns Yea for sure. Screens are such a personal item hard to judge going off reviews.
@@MagDumpGuns I went with Bajaworks, had it for 2+ years. Very good, no issues
Leaning between DR650 or KLR650. KLR comes stock with fuel injection, radiator, windshield, fairing, 6.1 gallon tank. And it's cheaper. And can do what DR can do. Makes it hard to pick the DR.
Wasn't aware the new Klr was cheaper than the Dr that does make it hard. Only thing you are losing out on there then is weight.
I'm between them as well. The DR weighs around 100lbs less than a KLR. Plus I kinda just like the look of the DR more growing up around dirt bikes. It would be nice to see it come with fuel Injection in 2022 though, but hey it's worked for 30+ years so Suzuki will be Suzuki lmao.
The DR doesn't really need EFI. Simplicity is one of its benefits. Bolt on a bigger used plastic tank, a skid, and some real handguards. Then spoon on some knobs. A KLR will take damage trying to keep up with such a DR in the dirt, and the DR is smoother on slab. I've never wanted for a windscreen.
I'd wager somebody customized the stock seat
What tires you running?
Currently Shinko E700 front 705 rear
@@MOTODANS How do they handle on dirt roads (do they track ok on pavement)?
Great, handle everything I have chucked at them dirt, gravel, road. Wet dirt gets Abit dicey
I’d say that is a customized stock seat.
I agree 👍
Go on yak squad and look at my mods.
my top 5 begins with suspension. The others are assumed
Just getting around to changing my suspension as we speak after 30k on the stock. Look forward to seeing the improvement
@@MOTODANS if you go with Cogent, tell Rick the owner I sent you! Drop some DDC cartridges and new springs in the forks and a Mojave shock and the bike is literally transformed
I was going to go with cogent but was recommended another set up over here. Went with a tfx rear shock and teknik front drop in valves and springs
I modded the shit out of my DR too.
Top 5
1. Bash plate
2. Ehaust
3. Jet kit
4. Handle Bar risers
5. Aftermarket foot pegs (No lowering kit)
Honorable Mention:. Case savers
Nice one👍
That seat is made by Corbin.
Doesn't look like any Corbin seat I have seen for the Dr650, also it has a plastic base from what I can see Corbin uses only fibreglass?
Your seat looks homemade, I modified and recovered my stock seat and its way better
I bought a KLR650 so I wouldn't have to make all these modifications!
I am sure the Klr needs just as many modifications to make the bike your own.
'Your loss.
Oh you work at circus
Worst standard suspension of any bike, life threatening if you push it. Definitely No 1.
You're forgetting the KLR650 suspension.
@@RKmndo Yes good point. I always discounted the KLR due to its weight and lack of power.
farkle derangement syndrome
Can never have to many Farkles!
Hey bro there’s a 2015 dr650 on trademe going for 9k pretty much stock with 11000kms do you think that’s overpriced or worth the buy I’m in NZ btw TIA
Hey, prices are all over the place just now so hard to say. I would be on the look out out for one that had a load of mods for that price
Yeah I hear you but this has low kms I’m pretty keen to buy it because dr650 are quit rear to come by now
What year is your bike bro?
@@klearman9612 Mine is a 2017, currently has 31000kms on it
Nice bro I’ve always wanted one of these I think I’m going to buy it lol hahaha thanks anyways bro keep up the good videos mate